Constitutional Offices

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Florida has a very broad Public Records Law. Most written communications to or from State and Local Officials regarding State or Local business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure.

Constitutional Offices

The Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners is a five-member governing board elected at-large to represent the citizens of Bay County. The Board defines the role and guides the actions of the organization in ensuring the future of Bay County. The Commission establishes policies and appoints a County Manager to implement the policies and manage the operations of the County. The Commission annually adopts the millage rate and approves the budget which determines the revenue and expenditures necessary to operate all County departments. The powers and duties of the County Commission are established by Florida Statutes, Chapter 125.

Tax Collector

The Tax Collector collects and distributes all current and delinquent ad valorem taxes and fire ad valorem assessments levied by the County Commission, School Board, Water Management District, Municipalities and other agencies imposed on County residents. The Tax Collector is also an agent for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Department of Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, the Department of Revenue, and the Department of Environmental Protection in the collection of fees in issuance of auto tags, titles, fresh and salt water fishing license, hunting license, and boat registrations and boat titles.

Supervisor of Elections

The Supervisor of Elections is responsible for all matters pertaining to registration of electors within Bay County, including supervision of County, State and national elections, maintenance of the County's voting equipment, all filing of candidate campaign contribution and expenditure reports, candidate qualifying, financial disclosure filing by selected government officials and employees, and such other requirements found in Florida Election Code and other elected Statutes in order to ensure the integrity of our system of elections.

Bay County Sheriff's Office

The Bay County Sheriff's Office is responsible for the general welfare of the County and its citizens and provides for their protection through patrolling all areas of the County and answering requests for assistance. The Sheriff's Office enforces County Ordinances, State and Federal laws; provides assistance to the general populace and provides for their protection; investigates crimes and promotes the reduction of crimes through patrol techniques; assists other law enforcement agencies in their quest for these goals; and provides security at sporting and other special events (i.e., parades, festivals, etc.).

Property Appraiser

The Property Appraiser appraises all property within the borders of Bay County. This office administers Ad Valorem exemptions and produces and administers the tax rolls for the Board of County Commissioners, and the Municipal Services Taxing Unit.

Clerk of Circuit Court

The Florida Constitution provides that the Clerk of Circuit Court shall be: Clerk of Circuit Court, Clerk of County Court, County Comptroller/Treasurer, County Auditor, County Recorder, and Secretary/Ex-officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners.